CanvasRebel Interviews J.Q. Gagliastro
December 16th, 2024
Photo by Will Knight
Question #1: Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?Writing comes naturally to me. I’ve been writing since age six. My current book “The Diary of a Sugarbaby” is different from what I normally write because the story required me to confront my past (i.e. things I’ve done and thought that I’m not proud of, things done unto me that I’ve been avoiding, et cetera). In the beginning, it was difficult to take accountability and talk about emotionally raw subjects. I had to walk away from the computer from time to time. In the end, it was cathartic to write. I’m happy I didn’t let my walls or fear get in the way of being honest with my readers. Apart from that, most of the obstacles I encountered while learning the craft had nothing to do with writing and had everything to do with publishing and marketing the book. Thankfully, I’m technologically savvy and well-equipped with today’s resources. I did a ton of research and took note of what I needed: a copyright page, Library of Congress Cataloging number, ISBN, an eBook, a barcode, pricing, an imprint, a cover designer, an editor, a formatter, and so much more. I googled the terms I did not know and learned how to acquire them. I found an expert editor, a skilled cover designer, and a formatter on Fiverr. I started an independent press called Gaggy Press. I learned about KDP, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble publishing. All of my knowledge of publishing came from my determination, ambition, and research skills. I truly believe if you want to achieve something artistic you just have to dedicate your life to it. My day job was the largest obstacle that stood in my way of learning more. I needed the job though and still do. So, I find the time. Instead of going out on the weekends or spending time with family and friends after work, I instantly go into author mode the moment I clock out. My social health definitely suffers from time to time. But it is the price I pay. Finding the balance is something I struggle with every day as a creative. As for marketing, thankfully I’m a social media kid. I post regularly across every platform and reply to every DM. I started a merch line to hype up the book. I created my own website jqgagliastro.com and learned to sell through that. I directly contacted every bookstore I could find. (I’ll always be doing that. There are millions of bookstores around the world!) I inform bookstores about my book and where they can purchase it. Communication skills and customer service are necessary in both contacting bookstores and replying to DMs. I had to learn what to say to bookstores and what not to say, especially when it comes to their best interests (i.e. making my book returnable, offering consignment, offering the standard 60/40 split, not mentioning Amazon, et cetera). I also wanted to tour. When I contacted bookstores earlier this year, I asked if they would hold a signing for me. Some stores were more receptive than others. Some straight up slut-shamed me. I learned that the literature industry is just as bigoted as the rest of the world. Thankfully, I have thick skin and don’t take their preconceived ideas about who I am too personally. Instead of dwelling, I channeled that energy into my Sugarbaby Book Tour, which started in June and ended in November of 2024! I don’t think there is anything I could have done to speed up my learning process. I think I did (and am still doing) a great job!
Question #2: Please tell us. Who is J.Q. Gagliastro?J.Q. Gagliastro is the nonbinary American author of “The Diary of a Sugarbaby” and the upcoming “Mercury to the Moon.” They are from Philadelphia and accept he and they pronouns but prefer they. J.Q. grew up as the new kid, moving from state to state—VA, NY, FL, MA, PA, and CT. At age sixteen, they were thrown out by their father for dressing “too fem.” Despite the lack of parental support, they earned themself a BA in French Language & Literature from Allegheny College. They studied language arts in Northern Italy and Angers, France. In France, they worked at the city hall of Fismes as a French to English translator. They then moved to the great city of Philadelphia and returned to their one true passion: literature. Coming from a working-class family of eight, Gagliastro always had to support themself. When they couldn’t, they became a sugarbaby and sold their body. While “The Diary of a Sugarbaby” is dystopian fiction, it ties in Gagliastro’s experiences as a sugarbaby and twists them into a dramatic political satire.
“The Diary of a Sugarbaby” is known as THE queer dystopian bestseller. NYC’s Queer Book Club selected TDS as their October 2024 book pick. On August 10th, 2024, Gagliastro appeared on Chicago’s WGN TV with journalist Sean Lewis. TDS was featured in The New York Review of Books, both April and May 2024 issues. Gagliastro developed the sugarbaby merch line and completed an eight-stop Sugarbaby Book Tour (NYC, D.C., Chicago, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Annapolis, Keene, and Philadelphia). TDS is a #1 bestseller in LGBTQ+ Fiction on Amazon’s Bestsellers List and a #2 bestseller in Dystopian Fiction on Ingram’s Bestsellers List. An instructor at the University of Florida shortlisted TDS as required text for their queer studies program. Over 1,000 copies of TDS have been sold within the first year of its publication. The Manhattan Book Review called TDS “The Handmaid’s Tale on steroids!” Kirkus Reviews called it “a frightening novel about an unthinkable future!” And according to The BookLife Prize, TDS is a “dark satirical work of sci-fi!” “Mercury to the Moon” is an illustrated fantasy space odyssey for all ages and is set to release in early 2025! Please follow @jq.gagliastro on Instagram and visit jqgagliastro.com for merch, tour dates, upcoming projects, and more!
Question #3: What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?The most rewarding aspect of being an author has been hands down connecting with my readers. I have received many messages from readers about how much they connected to the story and saw themselves in my characters. My book tour was a huge catalyst in connecting with my audience. When I tour, I always bring my tarot cards and offer free readings. I find it excites people and opens them up so that the moment is not all about me and my book but also about the reader. I have so many stories from my book tour! When I did a signing at the Barnes & Noble in West Hartford, I met this one college student who was essentially still in the closet. It was a tearful moment. I made a friend. I’m happy I gave them the space to open up. Moments like that gave my book tour even more meaning!
Last Question: Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?The first step I took to build my audience on social media was to see social media as another creative outlet. That allowed me to have fun and not care what other people think. When I published, I learned the marketing value of social media. I now post every day. It’s not always about the book. I’m not afraid to post my liberal ideas and political beliefs, provocative photos of myself, or my other passions like cooking and traveling. The key to building the audience I want is authenticity. I post what I want, not what I think other people want. If I’m 100% authentic with myself and others on social media (and in real life!), it draws in like-minded people and deters people who do not match my freak. While I am kind and thoughtful, I am not a people pleaser. I don’t believe in conventionality or watering yourself down to make others feel comfortable. I believe in loving yourself.
Thank you so much, CanvasRebel, for interviewing me! It’s been a pleasure!
Photo by Will Knight